Journal of Arcadius - Day 49

Through the Gate

The better part of the next day was spent dealing with the wizard and our magical items. We kept a magical Elven longsword, which we gave to Shaft, and a pair of bracers which have an enchantment enhancing the archery skills of those who wear them. We have yet to decide who should keep them. We are awaiting a final tally of the gold, net costs to identify items, of the rest. Hrogar is a... persistent negotiator.

That evening I prayed at length to lord Pelor for guidance, strength, and patience.

It seems that while I prayed my companions occupied themselves with drink and conversation, and doing so met a Ranger who knew at least something about the Druids and their grove. They also learned that according to rumor, a druid has recently been seen returning to the grove.

In the morning we made our way there, met with the Ranger, who is a woman named Shell Ray, and proceeded in. We spent the first half of the day doing a cursory map of the grove, seeking enemies, and looking for any places of note. Finding nothing of interest, we proceeded underground.

Shell Ray was able to open the door, which had proven so baleful to Fflam, with no effort at all, and then felt it necessary to make a derisive remark to the effect that perhaps the Druids had built their doors to keep out the weak or stupid. This seemed a bit mean spirited to me, but it was neither the time nor place for an argument.

Inside we explored various chambers, discovering the Druids' strange penchant for growing living doors and furniture from the roots of plants, and their simultaneous aversion to metal. Also, Tup'r has a strange obsession with a ten foot pole he carries in his backpack, and Shell Ray to all appearances has the ability to speak with mice. Most curious. In my land, as I have mentioned, any lands not cultivated are barren waste or sheer mountains. We have neither druids nor rangers, and their attitudes and abilities remain almost incomprehensible to me.

After some further exploration, including a meeting room with thirteen chairs, we came to a secret hallway and a laboratory room with a metal table. Given the circumstances, I deemed this very ominous indeed. We discovered a trap door under the table which contained a box. It was a most worrisome box... not only did it radiate both magic and evil, but if I am not mistaken, it bore script in the language of the foul, corrupt, and decadent city-states to the east of my homeland. The folk there sacrifice live victims on the burning altars of their repulsive gods, and their vile wizards and priests have played a role for centuries in instigating attacks by monsters and barbarians against us. Often we have been at war with them.

But then things went from bad to worse.

Fflam, in one of those fits of recklessness that continue to baffle me, without warning moved forward and opened the box. I took a step his way and shouted for him to stop, but it was too late. A thing, a spirit, of fire and smoke flew upwards with a fell and gleeful laugh, and a fireball that badly singed Fflam. I had only a moment to look at it before it disappeared into the ceiling, but it may have been a Djinn or an Efret - the wild spirits of the desert whose original home is said to be the legendary City of Brass.

Iyaa Haidhur! What have we done?

We discovered thirteen of the black trees of death growing in pots, and supplies for their care, and a book on the summoning and binding of demons. I noted to the others that we had released an evil spirit, even if not a demon as such, onto the world. We then moved with some speed to finish our exploration.

The final room was guarded by a seemingly immovable door that once again opened to the touch of Shell Ray. She once again made a mocking and insulting comment regarding our stupidity being the reason were were unable to open the doors. Pelor grant me tolerance and patience!

Inside was a well of black and evil water, and another of the black magical gates. Two of our companions went through and found the same cold and lifeless shore. Shell Ray mentioned that no one appeared to have passed recently through the main entrance, but only through this room and the gate. We resolved to return.

On the surface, after some investigation, we found that the Efret, if it be such, had thankfully not attacked anyone, but had instead flown straight up into the sky. However its appearance had nonetheless terrified everyone in that neighborhood.

We rested for the night, keeping watch on the gate. Fflam prayed for a Bless spell to cast on the black waters, and was granted such. We returned underground. Fflam cast his spell, but was rewarded with another fireball. He has been burnt many times, and now his skin is looking the worse for it. Some of his beard does not appear to be growing back. May the gods guide him away from his past rashness before it is too late!

Then, at last, we went through the gate. It is very cold here. There is a plain of ice further inland and a distant forest of pine trees at the feet of mighty mountains. It is clear this is not another plane, but the far north of the world. As I write this, Tupper has scouted ahead, following some steps going down the cliff face. Who knows what we face here? We and fate shall be meeting soon.

*A*